General Information

I’m often asked what books, courses, etc. I recommend for writers. I can only speak to the ones that have helped me, so I’ll list here what training I’ve found helpful. A few notes:

Being an English major in college helps because you learn how to analyze story meaning and structure, but is not necessary.

You do not need an MFA to be a writer. (But if you want one, by all means, get one!)

I consider lifelong learning a kind of do-it-yourself MFA. (If you’re interested in furthering your education, check out the online courses that I teach.)

Self Publishing

There are a million books out there that purport to tell you how to be a successful self publisher. Don’t fall for ones promising you’ll make millions off the bat. These are the ones I would advise anyone thinking of self publishing to read.

I’m a huge fan of Margie Lawson’s Writer’s Academy. If you miss a class, you can order the lecture packets, which is what I’ve done for most of these. These are classes I’ve taken:

Diving Deep into Deep Point of View

Digging Deep into the EDITS System (highly recommended for a unique perspective on editing)

Advanced Deep Editing: A Master Course

Writing Body Language and Dialogue Cues

Empowering Characters’ Emotions

Deep POV (taught by Rhay Christou)

Also, RWA offers great courses (not just on romance) through Romance University as well as the local chapters. Offerings are always changing, but ones I’ve enjoyed include:

Inside the Male Mind

Writing Your Hero’s Fatal Flaw

Let’s Keep It Short: Writing Stories and Novellas

Romance Writing 1o1

The Great Courses

These are lectures you can view/listen to at home. The Great Courses are available on just about every subject under the sun and are very comprehensive, much like taking a university course.

They can be a significant financial investment (hint: wait until they are on sale and sign up for their mailing list to get coupons), but they are taught by experts and you can choose your format (audio or video download, CD, DVD). You also have the option of purchasing a book, which is what I did so didn’t have to take as many notes. Ones I’ve enjoyed:

Building Great Sentences

Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques

The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World

Daily Life in the Ancient World

The Story of Medieval England

Groups

Whatever your genre, join your national association and any local chapters. Join local/state/regional writing groups. Attend local writing seminars and conferences. You can learn something anywhere. And if you’re brave enough, present what you know. It’s great experience.

In-Person Classes

Many groups offer opportunities for writers. So far, I’ve only done one, so it’s the only one I can speak to. I was fortunate to be selected as one of six writers to attend a week-long Master Class at Hedgebrook with #1 NYT bestselling author Deborah Harkness. I learned more in a week than I could have in a two-year program. They offer new classes several times a year, so you’re sure to find something to suit you.

Writing Residencies

If you have the opportunity, apply for a writer’s residency. If you’re a woman, I recommend Hedgebrook. While I haven’t done a residency there yet, I did attend a Master Class there. They take care of you and let you focus on your writing. What a treat!